Studio Classes, Professional Practice Support and Exhibition Opportunities for Visual Artists

Mission

The Art House was founded to provide a foundation for emerging artists in pursuit of a self-directed studio practice; The Art House engages artists through innovative courses, a supportive community and regular exhibition opportunities. The Art House values all kinds of art-making and welcomes all levels in painting, drawing, printmaking and mixed media. The curriculum is focused on assisting artists in developing a meaningful body of work in the materials of their choosing. This approach includes open studio courses with one-on-one attention, as well as specialized courses in techniques used by the old masters, for example (glazing, lense and projection painting). Courses are small so that each artist can benefit regardless of their level or experience.

The Art House is a place where emerging artists develop and reach their personal and professional creative goals. Our work with artists in both classes and on an individual basis, include the nuts and bolts about materials and techniques, curating exhibitions and maintaining a sustainable professional practice. The Art House specializes in offering this kind of personalized, in-depth support -- the kind that really accomplishes growth for each artist.

If you hear a voice inside you that says ‘you cannot paint’, then by all means—paint, and that voice will be silenced.

— Vincent VanGogh

The Art House offers innovative courses that support the development of visual artists in and out of the studio through coursework and exhibition/professional practice opportunities. Exhibition opportunities for emerging artists are provided through coursework study, either individually or in a group context. In addition, The Art House sponsors an annual, national juried exhibition in partnership with Arts on Elston Gallery.

Courses and exhibitions are located at 3453 N. Albany unless otherwise noted. There is ample free street parking on both Elston and Albany, immediately accessible to the entrance of the class studio. Supplies and unfinished work can be safely stored on site in-between classes, making The Art House a "studio away from home". Your Certificate in Fine Arts can be earned as artists choose the coursework that interests them as they progress in earning a Certificate.

The Art House student artists have varied levels of experience in fine arts studio and professional practice. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Mixed level classes support multi-faceted growth and development. Class sizes are small, allowing instruction to be customized to meet individual needs and creating a supportive community for studio work with group critique and one-on-one instruction.

In addition to the courses and upcoming exhibitions, individual instruction supports artists at The Art House or in their studio.

Private Lessons/Critique Options at The Art House or your personal studio

Outdoor art-making workshops

A Studio ‘away from home’–store work in-progress/supplies as needed

Free parking

The Art House Experience Video

Teaching Philosophy

The Art House instruction supports artists in broadening their experience and enhancing their abilities in honor of a lifelong momentum in the studio. The approach includes assisting artists in their individual artistic practice, both formally and conceptually, encouraging artists in developing insight into individual learning challenges and the creative process, and engaging artists in an ongoing discussion that supports them in a lifetime of professional practice. Art House student artists are at many different stages in development; the priority for faculty is to support each artist on their path as they set goals for their work and career.

The teaching structure at The Art House is a balance between formal and observational technique and practice, with the intuitive, conceptual and content focus, recognizing that all artists need practice at trusting themselves and experiencing a self-initiated and wide range of techniques in support of lifelong studio practice. Individual growth is valued through complimentary approaches of group critique, individual sessions and studio practice. Art House teaching values include the development of personal content and ideas, sensitivity to student diversity, and openness to collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches.

Our natural state is liberation–in one way or another, we all seek the path, the permission to be truly ourselves. Find a teacher–an advisor–a guide–even if it’s a book that speaks to you–and discover the special place inside of you calling out for nurturing and expression. That is the beginning.

— Rebecca George, Founder & Faculty of The Art House

As artists build a body of work and gain experience in a wide range of techniques and approaches, they are encouraged to develop insight into their individual learning challenges and the opportunities that present themselves in the creative process. As artists recognize the value of challenging their abilities with materials, scale, color, approach, content, research, and the exploration of conceptual ideas, they gain a deeper understanding of the methods for making artwork and growing as an artist. These ‘tools’ then become available to artists as they work independently and confront challenges in the studio.

Dialog about professional practice facilitates learning as artists develop ongoing goals and projects for their painting career. As a guide in this discussion, I help provide access to information to assist artists in finding answers about artistic careers, exhibition opportunities, residencies and fellowships, and establishing a connection with the broader artistic community. In addition to the educational studio work and interaction, many artists benefit from engagement with the larger artistic community to advance and flourish as an artist. Through exposure to visiting artists, residency and internship opportunities, post secondary education and both traditional and alternative exhibition platforms, artists continue to create their vision for a career in the arts.

Founder

The Art House was founded in 2012 by Rebecca George, a skilled, generous and patient teacher who has 25 years experience as an artist and art teacher. Rebecca George has taught painting and drawing at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago for the past 7 years and is a former Adjunct Faculty at the University of Chicago where she taught Business for Artists; she and holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Fine Art/Painting and Drawing as well as a Masters degree in nonprofit Business Administration. The Art House is a professional artist's teaching studio and gallery as well as an alumni-run space of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago: Click to view map.